As the most commonly used psychoactive substance worldwide, caffeine plays a central role in both daily life and health. While it’s most often consumed through coffee—its biological and societal impacts are remarkably complex—and increasingly relevant to both public health and product innovation.
This day-long convening of researchers, industry leaders, investors, students and more explores caffeine from multiple perspectives. The morning features a research symposium hosted by the UC Davis Coffee Center, featuring interdisciplinary student and faculty presentations examining caffeine.
In the afternoon, the IIFH Discovery Forum builds on these insights to explore caffeine’s bioactivity and emerging research, highlighting the potential for personalized approaches informed by chronobiology, genetic variability, and life-stage factors—within the evolving field of precision nutrition.
Walk to the UC Davis Coffee Center for lunch, self-guided tours of the latest research and innovations and enjoy an afternoon affogato.
Justin Siegel | Faculty Director, IIFH
Peter Giuliano
A series of dynamic, short presentations from leading experts, followed by a moderated panel discussion with all presenters. This session explores the science behind caffeine’s physiological effects, how it’s metabolized, and how coffee processing influences caffeine content. We’ll also examine emerging technologies enabling more precise control of caffeine levels—from bean to body—and how this intersects with advances in biology, genetics, and precision nutrition.
Gregory Marcus | Professor of Medicine, UCSF | Caffeine’s Impacts on Human Physiology
Marilyn C Cornelis, Associate Professor, Northwestern | Human Metabolism of Caffeine
William Ristenpart | Faculty Director, UC Davis Coffee Center | Processing Effects of Caffeine Load
Ingrid Pultz | Chief Science Officer, Caffree | Breakthrough Technology to Manage Caffeine
Aryeh Ganz, Managing Partner, Cornucopian Capital
Conclude a day of insightful discussions by joining a dynamic community of partners who share a passion for innovation and collaboration. Enjoy self-guided tours of the UC Davis Coffee Center and cascara cocktails crafted by Coffee Center Faculty Director William Ristenpart. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Caffree’s startup spotlight—connect with their executive team to learn about their new transformative enzymatic technology and beverage industry use cases.
Location: Putah Creek Lodge (685 Putah Creek Lodge Dr, Davis, CA 95616)
Parking: Visitor Parking Lot PCL, Davis, CA 95616
Hotel recommendations:
